Chess is mainly recognized by the majority of school children as a game, but not as a sport. Yet, that mindset is slowly changing since tournaments like “Battle of the Kings” has begun and evolved.

“Battle of the Kings” is a significant event in both the Royal College sports calendar and the chess calendar of Sri Lanka. The tournament was initiated in 1996 by the Royal College Chess Club under the Captaincy of H.N.B. Haputhanthri. The debut championship was won by Vidyarta College, Kandy. The “Battle of the Kings” has come a long way from it’s humble beginning, becoming the largest chess event organized by a school. In 2016, the tournament achieved the standard of an international rated chess tournament making a milestone in the timeline of Sri Lankan chess.

The 24th appearance of the “Battle of the Kings” interschool international team chess tournament took place on the 3rd,4th and 5th of January. The tournament turned out to be another successful endeavor for the Royal College Chess team as they emerged champions for the 2nd successive year. Coming in as 2nd Runners Up were Nalanda College and they were followed by Isipathana College. Ending the 5-year run of Dharmasoka Girls School as back to back champions in the girls category was Mahamaya College Kandy.

It is notable to mention that the tournament has been dominated by Royal College throughout it’s 24-year history, taking the championship home 12 times.